Michelleintheoc1

I had a boob job at my 2nd husband's request in April 2003 (15 years ago). (I had small B size boobs.)
Honestly, it did not help our relationship at all!!! I thought it would improve our sex life, but it didn't. I was a regular size person at the time - size 12. I was the same size the entire relationship (2 1/2 years), so it wasn't a physical issue. The relationship ended about 1 year later and my boobs, big or small, had nothing to do with it.
I have had several issues with the implants over the years. And I have had 2 more surgeries to correct some issues since then.
I would like to have them removed but the doctor told me that I would have a lot of extra sagging skin & would need a breast lift also. I had a breast lift on one breast when the implants were done & it was SOOOOO painful! I don't want to have to go through anymore surgeries on my boobs. I will probably have them removed after my sleeve surgery & I lose some weight.
Overall, they have been more problems than anything. (I am writing this now with an ice pack on one of my boobs).

I can totally relate to what you are saying. I told a few friends I was "thinking about it" and the reaction i got was negative. Some examples are :
- That's crazy, I would never do that!
- Just exercise & eat right
- People die from the surgery
- People gain weight back after the surgery
- You won't be able to eat what you want
And the list goes on.....
So I chose to not tell anyone except 2 people. I find a lot of strength here on this board & a friend I talk to, which I met on this board. She is my biggest support system & I am so grateful.
Just a suggestion, only discuss it with supportive people in your life. It's your life and you can do what you want with it.
Kind of a related story;
About 12 years ago I saved up & got a "nose job". I always had a very big nose, but I was very afraid of the pain after surgery & the surgery itself. When i finally decided to do it; people told me I didn't need it, your crazy, that's the nose God gave you, you will be in a lot of pain... etc. Basically not supportive. I did it anyway and I'm so glad i did!!! I love my new nose and am no longer self conscience looking people face to face and talking to them, like I used to be. Yes, there was pain afterwards, but It was worth it to me.
I KIND OF view this the same way. People may not be supportive, but we all have to do what's right for ourselves!

I can totally relate to what you are saying. I told a few friends I was "thinking about it" and the reaction i got was negative. Some examples are :
- That's crazy, I would never do that!
- Just exercise & eat right
- People die from the surgery
- People gain weight back after the surgery
- You won't be able to eat what you want
And the list goes on.....
So I chose to not tell anyone except 2 people. I find a lot of strength here on this board & a friend I talk to, which I met on this board. She is my biggest support system & I am so grateful.
Just a suggestion, only discuss it with supportive people in your life. It's your life and you can do what you want with it.
Kind of a related story;
About 12 years ago I saved up & got a "nose job". I always had a very big nose, but I was very afraid of the pain after surgery & the surgery itself. When i finally decided to do it; people told me I didn't need it, your crazy, that's the nose God gave you, you will be in a lot of pain... etc. Basically not supportive. I did it anyway and I'm so glad i did!!! I love my new nose and am no longer self conscience looking people face to face and talking to them, like I used to be. Yes, there was pain afterwards, but It was worth it to me.
I KIND OF view this the same way. People may not be supportive, but we all have to do what's right for ourselves!

Hi everyone! Here's my 6 week update! The beginning was rough but I have no regrets. I'm feeling better every day. I have a lot more to go but am getting there!
Pre OP : 225
Current weight: 190

And I also consider it a gift, a present I thought was unavailable to me. You see I am 72 and 2/3 years old. I was afraid life had passed me by, I was doomed to die obese , lonely and in pain. Then I heard of the lifeline of Bariatric surgery, was I strong enough to grab a hold on that line or let it go by like some things in my,life had? But I reached out trembling in August 2015, and although many twists, turns, roadblocks ensued. last Wednesday at 7AM my RNY,bypass was done, God Bless Dr Needleman and even more bless the principles of Bariatric medicine that gave me a chance I almost missed out on. As I recover, I am a little sore from,my 5 little holes and the intestinal prodding that went on. But,it friends, it is bare-able, every day that passes I will regain more strength, my days changed from gray and dismal to sunny and full,of hope.FYI,I did it under Medicare and Medicaid no deductables, no co-pays. Things are going to be good for even great grandma aged person. if I can rock it all you youngsters should be able to, come join me, Frustr8 in the journey of life!

Phone & charger
Headphones
Dry mouth spray
Chapstix
Slippers
Blindfold
Haibrush
Pillow to protect surgical sites from car seat belt
Air freshener

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I would love to scuba again. It's been at least 10-11 years since I last went. Another thing that is really general is just going places with the family. I have avoided every family event, party, family trip etc for years now because I don't feel comfortable with the way I look and feel. So many more things...

I was waffling a couple of months ago about whether I was making the right choice to pursue VSG. I decided to get honest with myself about the things I had been putting off/avoiding because of my weight (and therefore things I might do after VSG).

I started the list and it went on and on and on....
- fit into a wet suit and go scuba diving
- be in the picture with my kids
- promote my business
- flirt
Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. for pages... :(

I still cry every time I think of another thing to add to the list. But, I do get excited by the thought that someday, hopefully soon, that list will shrink!

What have you been putting off and what will you be excited to do either again or for the first time after WLS?!

Ps VSG scheduled for October 18, 2018.

Wow, tempus fugit! A year ago today, I went into surgery weighing 284 lbs. Today, I weigh 195 lbs for total of 89 Lbs lost...SO FAR. My original goal was 140 pounds. While I am still headed in that direction, well see what the future brings. Wile I am very happy with my weightloss to date, I thought I would be further along. Oh, I'm not ungrateful, just anxious. I know that I have made some food choices that I shouldn't have, but I try to shake it off, and stay on task. Some days are better than others. I'm still forcing myself to drink lots of Water. I can say I have gotten much better!
Along with the weightloss, I have gone from wearing a size 24 to a size 14. One day I just stared at a dress in my closet, amazed that it was really mine...in that size! I actually tried on a dress in a size 12, and it fit. Wow. A few other victories....
I CAN NOW:
-shop off the rack, on the main level, not downstairs...behind housewares
-cross my legs without cutting off my circulation
-share a seat on my commuter train without fear of spilling over the center
-run up stairs without gasping for air
-Go shopping with a friend
-tuck my shirt in
-wrap a bath towel around my body
-WEAR LILLY PULITZER....HOORAY!
-sit on furniture without fear of crashing to the floor
***drumroll, please*** I WEIGH LESS THAN MY HUSBAND!!!!!!!!!!
here are a few photos to show my progress thus far. I can't wait to come back in a few months to share my goal photos.
Thank you
Darlene

I haven't done much since my surgery and avoid social gatherings like BBQs because I'm still on the pureed stage. Eating out was a big part of my life but also one the main reasons I gained so much weight. I have a work potluck next week and plan on having a yogurt or Protein Shake. It's not ideal and it's going to be difficult but I know that eventually I'll be able to incorporate more foods and find healthier alternatives. I am also looking into local support groups for food addiction. Perhaps you can consider doing the same to help with some of the struggles you're having.

Wait until you start dropping weight! Then you’ll remember the reason you did this

Regret is so common at this stage. I had major regrets the first two months. I wanted to take it all back. ((now I have minor regrets due to gnarly GERD)) Truth is, only the super obese are going to lose those magical 50 pounds in a month. Us run-of-the mill fatties are going to lose 20-30 in the first month. And that is still great. What is even better is that you can count on another 10-20 a month if you stick to program during the honeymoon period.
Keep your chin up and best of luck.

I think we have to give it time. This is not going to be a quick fix. Look at what you posted 14lbs in a week that’s amazing!

Give it time 2 years post op 100 lbs gone . Only regret was not doing it sooner .. good luck and hang in there

You're been too hard on yourself. You're in pain, and you're giving yourself an undeserved beating.
You may very well be addicted to food, but you could also be in mourning. I miss not being able to enjoy food. I can't eat enough of anything to feel as though I'm eating a worthwhile portion. Plus, nothing smells or tastes the same. I feel as though I'm missing out on something that brought me a good measure of pleasure.
I've lost weight with very little effort. True, I'm still not getting the Protein or Fluid intake required. For the first time in weeks, I'm probably consuming more than 250 calories. I'm pretty sure I've doubled my caloric intake, and I try to make sure that those calories are mainly protein.
I'm not prepared to swear off all junk food. Fortunately, I don't have a sweet tooth, but I do like plain potato chips. I think it's the salt I'm mainly interested in. I don't think it's terrible to have a few chips on occasion. I actually don't "want" more than a few either.
I go through periods of self-hate, too. You're not alone, E.S. If you'd like to talk privately, I'd be happy to talk to you. I'm sure several other people here would be happy to talk to you as well. Let us support you. Let others in and give you some comfort. You are a worthwhile person. I'm glad you posted your feelings. That's a healthy step in the right direction. (Keeping negative feelings to yourself is not healthy.)

Hi everyone,
I had surgery May 7th. I’m currently down about 75lbs.
At the beginning I had major buyers remorse, nothing felt right everything was new (but not in a good way).
I am just now starting to notice changes In myself in pictures.
I have recently been out of town for school. I didn’t need a seat belt extender on the plane. I walked through the airport no problem, I walked to and from university every day, I was able to fit in the seats with no worry. The coolest thing is last night I went whale watching, everyone gets a coat...it fit!
Never before would I have fit in to some sort of standard issue clothing.
I’m not even sure why I’m making this post, except that I’m so excited! It took a while for me to notice things changing, but they finally did. And you are the people who will understand!

Hello - I have signed up for VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) at Penn Medicine in Phila. I am on medicare so about 90 days to a surgery date. I am scared and hesitant. Do not want life long complications. I am 69. I need to lose 130lbs. Can you share your experiences with VSG?

I am almost 56, I was sleeved 6/27 and I feel like (and I’m not exaggerating in the least ) like I had a miracle happen to me. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and the past 15 years were the worst between getting divorced and raising two kids on my own . food became my emotional escape . I became a very large woman who felt super uncomfortable with herself . Everyday of my life I beat myself up over and over for allowing myself to become obese . Dieting became a no win situation and I honestly lost a tremendous amount and self esteem throughout the years that I hung onto and increased my weight .
Now ... only 8 weeks post op and I feel like another person . I’ve lost 35 pounds pre and post which on me makes a huge difference .
The first three days post op were the worst but within a week I was walking easily 4 miles a day . It’s quite an adjustment to eat in such a different way, but it’s worth every sacrifice when I am gaining my confidence back and feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future .
When I look in the mirror, it shocks me ! I look like I did years ago . It’s like I got my old self back and it feels so good!
So yeah ... at almost 56 , I’m feeling like I’m 40 again ! And I’m only 8 weeks out 😀

Wow. U have gone through a lot... Sorry to hear that. But that past n your surgery was a success. Thank god. Congrats for your new life. This is the kind of encouragement i need. This is the good endings i like to hear at our age. My problem is that I think. That im reading too many posts in this forum and getting scared. Too many posts on hair baldness n loose skin. I feel ugly already imagine me with extra skin and not being able to remove it.

Palomabella... Go for it! I'm 69 and 1 month post op. I have felt better ever since I awoke post op. For me it was lifesaving surgery. 50/50 odds. For me there was no choice. I tried to have the surgery in 2016, March 7 to be exact. I sought our the best surgery group in my state. I went into surgery at 7:00 am. I awoke in the OR suite at 7:45 am. I knew immediately something went wrong. I was very alert. I asked what went wrong? A few hours later my doctor came to recovery and told me my liver was too bad to proceed with the surgery. He did a biopsy and closed my 4 incisions. It was devastating. Turns out the cure for a bad liver is weight loss. That's a catch 22.
So 2years forward and my health has continued its downward spiral. I knew I would not be around for my 70th birthday.
I went for a consultation with a local surgeon new to our area. I took the photo of my liver and accompanying data. He said it could be done.
After many, many tests. My day finally arrived. July 16.
I felt so much better immediately. When I awoke I felt as if all the rotten and diseased stuff in my body left with my miserable stomach. I had NO Pain other than 3 gas pains and NO nausea. The only discomfort since is when I eat or drink more than 4-5 ozs. My highest weight was 373. That was some time before pre op. I lost about 10# off that quickly. At this time, 1 month and a day post op I am down 62# this morning I weighed 311#. I'm sleeping better, walking better, alert during the day. I put my own shoes on this morning.. Go for it! It's all good..
It only gets better from here.

I'm 56 and was sleeved on December 26 2027. I had no problems and very little pain. I was back to work 1 week after surgery. I'm down 60 pounds and would like to lose about 30 more pounds. Very glad I had it done as I struggled with my weight all my life.

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I think another thread was just started on a similar topic! My surgeon was Dr. David Oliak - he's amazing! His staff is very supportive and they hold weekly support group meetings.
His website is: www.oliakcenter.com

Have you tried using a straw and drinking something you actually like? Surgeons tell you not to use a straw because it can cause gas, but if you don't find that it gives you a stomach ache, it's fine. I hated Water...I couldn't drink even close to what I was supposed to be getting. I tried flavored water and gatorage and without a straw it felt like I was swallowing rocks. About two weeks after surgery I got a pressed juice from Whole Foods, which comes with a straw and I totally forgot the no straw rule and had drank the entire thing, issue free, in about a half hour. From that point on I used straws to drink things I actually like to drink such as tea, gatorade, Water with lemon, and now that I'm further out diet sodas. When you're as bad off a you sound, liquid is liquid....forget the water, drink something you actually like, and try using a straw. I am 15 months out and I still can't drink without a straw because it still feels like the Fluid is a swallow of rocks going down my throat.

I went alone drove myself did everything on my own but I did fell like a bit nervous mybe some else to talk to but in saying that there so much going on u don't really get much time to think about it my husband came to visit that nite but I was so tierd out off it on meds I didn't really no wat going on hope helps x
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